Destruction – Under Attack
10th May 2016Listening to a new thrash metal record from a legendary band is much like going home, it feels good, it’s comfortable and there are no unpleasant surprises, only the familiar sounds that transport you back to your teen years. For most metal heads Destruction is just that, one of those bands that you grew up with and never want to see change. Luckily for the fans, the German ensemble is consistent in their thrash riffs, harsh vocals, fast paced drums and that trademark Teutonic sound that characterizes the German Big 4 of Destruction, Kreator, Tankard and Sodom.
The record opens with the title track, an acoustic intro reminiscent of Metallica’s “Battery” that evolves into a fast paced anthem punctuated by Marcel Schirmer’s aggressive vocals. Another one of the highlights is “Generation Nevermore”, it showcases Destruction’s ability to emulate Death Angel with a bit of Overkill in a fun way. The real star here is “Second to none”, a real kick in the teeth that reminds everyone that even German legends can sound like Exodus if they want to.
“Under Attack” is by no means a bad record, but it is predictable, the riffs are nothing new, the solos are what German thrash is all about and the atmosphere of the record is focused on aggression and violence. So what exactly are fans of destruction going to do with “Under Attack”? They’re going to play it loud while drinking lots of beer on some seedy metal bar, listen to it at home 3 times and probably headbang to it when they inevitably see Destruction live. See, that’s the beauty of a legendary thrash metal band, they don’t need to be really technical, no need for complex structures all around, just be fun and live up to your name, that’s all we as fans want, an enjoyable Destruction record.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
ALBUM INFO
Tracklist:
1. Under Attack
2. Generation Nevermore
3. Dethroned
4. Getting Used to the Evil
5. Pathogenic
6. Elegant Pigs
7. Second to None
8. Stand Up for What You Deliver
9. Conductor of the Void
10. Stigmatized
Record Label:
Nuclear Blast
Release Date:
13th May 2016
